Verbal
This type of communication consists of the oral expression of ideas, feelings and thoughts.
What is verbal communication?
Act/Narrate your response: During Move-In, you’re standing at the entrance of the residence hall to greet new students...
The RA smiles warmly, makes eye contact, and uses open body language to create an inviting atmosphere. A thumbs-up gesture or a wave can also help to break the ice and make new students feel more comfortable.
The skill of being fully present and in-tune to another person's message or perspective...
What is active listening?
This term refers to the ability to understand and effectively navigate cultural differences in communication.
What is cross-cultural communication?
The act of relaying a message to a large group of people or organizations.
What is mass communication?
While some is speaking to you it is important to practice this in order for them to feel heard.
What is active listening?
Act/Narrate your response: You notice a resident sitting alone in the lounge, looking visibly upset with tears in their eyes...
The RA approaches slowly and sits down next to the resident, maintaining an open posture and soft facial expression. They might use a gentle nod or lean slightly forward to show they’re attentive and concerned, inviting the resident to share without words.
One barrier to effective interpersonal communication is...
What are language differences, emotional state, stereotypes, bias, other?
An essential skill for RAs that involves recognizing and setting aside personal biases to better connect with residents from diverse backgrounds.
What is self-awareness?
What are some ways to connect with people on a larger scale inside the RA role?
What is posting on the Residence Hall’s Instagram, advertising a program via flyers, posting on campus connection, messaging your residents in your section or on your floor, etc.
In verbal communication, your _____ of speech can have a significant impact on another person’s understanding.
What is rate/tone/clarity/other?
Act/Narrate your response: You notice a resident is hesitant to speak up during a roommate agreement meeting...
The RA can use encouraging gestures, like nodding and smiling at those who are quiet, or pointing to them gently to invite them to share their thoughts. Maintaining eye contact can also help encourage participation.
In interpersonal communication, to understand and share the feelings of another is to have...
What is empathy?
Encouraging cross-cultural communication among residents builds this kind of environment in the residence hall.
What is a culturally sensitive or inclusive environment?
What are some weaknesses of mass communication inside the RA role?
What is information may come off as less intrapersonal, students have an easier time avoiding the information (not checking their email, not seeing it social media, ignoring a message), etc.
This style of verbal communication seeks to influence people through careful word choices and verbal cues to appeal to logic and emotions.
What is persuasive communication?
Act/Narrate your response: You are conducting a floor meeting and notice some residents seem disengaged...
The RA might adjust their tone to be more engaging, using animated facial expressions and hand movements to emphasize important safety points. They could also walk around the room to maintain engagement and make the meeting feel more interactive.
How do you balance being approachable while maintaining professional boundaries?
What is clear communication and expectations, carving out time for yourself, create a "where am I?" sheet for your door, etc.
Name a specific way in which an RA can promote and foster cross cultural experiences within the residence hall.
What are programs like cultural exchanges/potlucks, trivia's, storytelling night, screenings, deliberative dialogues, etc.
Name an effective strategy of confirming the effectiveness of mass communication to your residents.
What is reaching out to a student to see if they got your email, reminding a student to check out the latest social media post, asking the student what they thought of your group me message. Other - Checking in with students is the best way to remind them or ask them if your message was seen and heard.